Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight vs OKC Thunder? Latest on Heat forward's status (Dec. 20) | 2024-25 NBA season

The Miami Heat will host the OKC Thunder on Friday at the Kaseya Center with All-Star Jimmy Butler set to suit up and take the court for the home team. Butler struggled with a knee injury in early December but is not listed on the team's injury report for the game against the Thunder.

Injuries have plagued Butler throughout the season, with the 35-year-old featuring in 19 of the Heat's 24 games. He missed a string of games early in the campaign due to an ankle injury and was again sidelined with a knee issue in early December.

The talented forward looks to be healthy and has been a regular feature in Erik Spoelstra's lineup since missing the game against the Boston Celtics on Dec. 2. Butler has played in five straight, and although his numbers have been inconsistent, he has shown glimpses of brilliance along the way.

Against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 8, the six-time All-Star played 35 minutes and chipped in with 18 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Butler had an off night against the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 12, finishing with just 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field.

Monday's outing against the Detroit Pistons, however, was one of Butler's best performances of the season. Over, 44 minutes, the Heat star recorded a triple-double, finishing with a game-high 35 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists.

Over 19 games, Butler is averaging 19.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 5.0 apg. He is averaging 32.6 mpg and has been a key contributor on both the offensive and defensive front.

Speculation surrounding a possible trade for Jimmy Butler continues as we approach midway point of season

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler dribbles the ball against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Photo Credit: Imagn

There has been a lot of chatter in recent months that Jimmy Butler could be traded. On Tuesday's Pat McAfee show, well-known NBA expert Shams Charania indicated that the Heat are considering moving on from the forward position.

Charania said Butler's hefty contract could be an issue for teams looking to secure the Heat star.

"He's on a $49 million contract this year. He has a $52 million player option for next year ... there's only a few teams with cap space," said Charania

Butler has proven himself one of the league's top players over the last decade. No surprise several teams would be interested in a potential trade. Charania also told McAfee that Butler would prefer to be traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns or Golden State Warriors.